As I was reading over the information of the tragic loss of a young woman on the Oconaluftee yesterday (Feb. 24), I was reminded how very fragile life is. This lady from Ohio, reported age 34, lost her life while kayaking the river.

In this day and age of people seeking inclusivity for all, it seems incredible that I’m even writing this column arguing that Paralympic athletic events should be included in the Olympic Games.  Right now, they’re held as a separate event, a second Olympics if you will, and I just feel that is wrong and doesn’t make sense. 

Those of us who daily have the privilege to live in the mountains take for granted the incredible display of nature’s beauty that is routinely available to enjoy. There are those who live not so far away who don’t have the great pleasure of seeing trees full of birds, streams full of fish, and lands teeming with wildlife so often that it is commonplace.

  By TIMOTHY L. MELTON, PASTOR (Transcribed by Myra D. Colgate) Cherokee Pentecostal Holiness Church   They may actually be able to compare their life to yours and realize there is a problem.  Why?  It’s because you will have grown into a mighty tree. ...

During the February session of Tribal Council, the Council decided that the language of the resolution proposed to ask the people to decide on extended terms, term limits and staggered terms was tabled,

“What has started off as a seed planted here will be a growing tree by the end of the year.  I have seen in the Spirit and have shared with you for years, there will come a day when you have to be here an hour earlier, or you may not be able to get through the  door, Amen.”

  By TIMOTHY L. MELTON, PASTOR (Transcribed by Myra D. Colgate) Cherokee Pentecostal Holiness Church   When you say, “I’m little.  I don’t know enough.  I don’t know a lot.”  With your permission, God can still use what He has already given you.  Choosing to...

During Budget Council on Feb. 1, Tribal Council engaged in a discussion of banishment law. They talked about how hard it would be to banish a tribal member because, in our Cherokee Code, it has been made clear that any tribal member permanently banished by Tribal Council will also be disenrolled. Some have stated that they “just couldn’t bring themselves to remove someone from membership in the Tribe.”